Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law SB 2427, instituting a statewide cell phone and personal device framework to create distraction-free classrooms, encouraging students to connect more deeply with curriculum and each other, and allowing educators to focus on teaching. The law requires school districts to develop and implement a “bell-to-bell” policy, restricting access to cell phones between the hours of the first arrival bell to the final dismissal bell. For kindergarten through 8th grade, this includes during class, as well as lunch, passing periods, and other non-instructional hours of the day. […]
Informed by Teachers, Parents, and Students
As school districts develop their plans to align with SB 2427, input from teachers and administrators, parents, and students will be critical in implementing cell phone use policies that keep classrooms distraction-free.
All Illinois public schools teaching kindergarten through 8th grade will implement a bell-to-bell cell phone ban that prohibits access to personal devices throughout the entirety of the school day. Illinois high schools will also implement a bell-to-bell ban but will be provided an opt out option that permits access during passing periods or lunch, while still prohibiting cell phone use during classes.
On September 1, the Illinois School Board of Education (ISBE) will share a template policy for school districts to begin developing policies and engaging community members for feedback. Their input will inform how schools in each district align with the bell-to-bell policy and store phones. […]
The implementation plan follows as such:
- September 1, 2026: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to share a template policy for school districts to bring to community discussion
- Start of 2027-2028 Academic Year: Illinois schools to implement finalized cell phone policies
- Start of 2031-2032 Academic Year: Any district that met the requirements of the grandfathering in period for already having policies must update theirs to align with SB242 by this time period
Key Exceptions
SB 2427 was designed to meet the goals of cell phone-free schools while also ensuring those who need devices can retain access. Districts’ plans must allow for the following exceptions:
- When a medical professional determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the management of a student’s health care
- To fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan
- When the device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials, participate in class, or otherwise facilitate communication
- When a student is a caregiver and is routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member
Districts may also choose to allow the following exceptions:
- Allow high school students to access their phone during their lunch period and/or passing period
- In the event of a potential emergency
When a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes—e.g. Chromebook use, technology-based activities, etc.
Deterring unequal punitive measures
Many other states have applied bell-to-bell cell phone policies, with teachers and administrators reporting greater attention and focus from students, increased attendance, and fewer behavioral incidents. However, many schools saw a temporary increase in suspensions, particularly among Black students.
In order to ensure that classroom cell phone bans are applied effectively and equitably, SB 2427 includes a stipulation that school policies are not to be enforced with fines, suspensions, or by school resource officers and law enforcement deployment.
